"Even though retirement is a long way off it's about making behavioural changes early which can offer a long period of time still make significant improvements in their retirement outcomes without really taking away from their ability to save for a deposit on a house or other financial commitments,'' Mr Hill said.

"This includes taking an interest in what investment strategies they are in."

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia's latest retirement standard showed for singles looking to have a comfortable retirement they would need $41,830 a year in retirement and for couples they would require $57,195.

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees chief executive officer Tom Garcia said it was an uphill battle to get young workers interested in super.

"Engaging the young with superannuation remains a major challenge for both the super industry and the government,'' he said.

"More needs to be done to educate young people about super and there is a case for financial literacy to be taught across the entire school curriculum.

"Super should be part of the everyday vernacular. It's a vital ingredient to everyone's financial health.''